Russ and Rob's Travels: CanyonLand to Denver

A beautiful drive along the Colorado river through a very long canyon onto the interstate where we left Utah and started our travels through Colorado. A stop at Fruita Visitors centre (welcome centre) was worthwhile as we gathered information and viewed live web cam images on road conditions. Our intention was to travel through Aspen but due to heavy snow falls we were unable to get through so took the next best route through the Rocky Mountains bound for Colorado Springs. Our disappointment about not seeing Aspen did not last long as our climb and descent across Tennesse Pass was spectacular.

Our camp in the White River National park was beautiful, looking out our window at the light falls of snow, treasuring the warmth and cosiness of the RV. We awoke, laying under the covers for as long as possible looking out our window at patches of white from a fresh snow fall overnight.

Our journey continued through Leadville, a historical mining town at the “top of the Rockies” that was once home to the silver boom in 1879, through Buena Vista following the Arkansas river then across trout Creek pass and Wilkersons Pass all at an altitude of around 9500 ft.

Crossing the high plains we arrived at the beautiful town of Manitou Springs, famous for the natural mineral spring water located within the town. There are 10 different locations with each having it’s own flavour. It is also home to the 100 year old Cogs railway. We took an afternoon trip on the train to Pikes Peak where the Summit lies at 14110 ft. Due to snow on the summit covering the train line we were only able to reach 12,000 ft.

It was then only a short distance to Palm Springs to “Valley of the Gods National Park”. We drove through the park admiring the rocky outcrops and then went for a short stroll along gateway trail seeing chipmunks, deer and rabbits.

Driving on we arrived at Castle Rock where we spent the night in the RV in a quiet cul-de-sac in front of Geoff’s friend’s home. A lazy morning followed as us ladies enthusiastically waited for the outlet shops to open. Great buys at great prices. It was noted when walking back to our vehicle that the men were carrying more bags, and No! they did not contain ladies items.

After lunch we drove onto Denver to the fabulous Outdoor World Bass Pro store. This store is BIG and stocks every conceivable outdoor supply for the sporting, fishing, hunting, boating, canoeing and camping enthusiast. Everywhere throughout the store there was American taxidermy animals. We had spent hours wondering this amazing store and before we knew it is was 8.30pm and with securities approval the car park became our overnight stop. Before retiring we went to the cinema to see Pirates of the Caribbean in 3D . A movie enjoyed by some.....